TRIPOLI – Several suspected diehards of slain Libyan dictator Muammar Gadhafi have been subjected to torture and some have even died in detention centers run by armed militias, human rights groups said on Thursday.

“Several detainees have died after being subjected to torture in Libya in recent weeks and months amid widespread torture and ill-treatment of suspected pro-Gadhafi fighters and loyalists,” Amnesty International said.

The London-based watchdog said its delegates met detainees held in Tripoli, in Misrata and in smaller towns such as Ghariyan, who showed visible signs of torture inflicted in recent days and weeks.

“The torture is being carried out by officially recognized military and security entities, as well by a multitude of armed militias operating outside any legal framework,” Amnesty International said.